A person who is close to moving to a replacement place should realize the culture and everyone that area you would possibly be calling your home soon. And this is often why if you're close to shifting to Hong Kong or are close to beginning a business there to maneuver there, understanding all about living and dealing in Hong Kong is significant.
Hong Kong was a colony of the British Empire in 1842 after the primary Opium War where the world of the land was formerly confined to Hong Kong Island. But soon after this, the boundaries were extended in steps and therefore the first stage was in 1860, and it included the Kowloon Peninsula. The subsequent stage happened in 1898 where the New Territories joined Hong Kong.
150 years later, China resumed sovereignty in 1997 permitting Hong Kong to be a special administrative region (SAR) that's a neighborhood of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Since then, Hong Kong has thrived at every step and has grown into an exciting and vibrant city.
Hong Kong has stark contrast between the western and therefore the Asian cultures in it, yet both the cultures combine to form the town the dynamic place that it is. Moreover, the town has always been described because the place where the east meets the west, so moving to Hong Kong would be right for you if you would like to measure where these two worlds combine.
It reflects the combination of Chinese roots of the local culture with the influences from the time it had been managed by the British. Hong Kong still manages to balance the practices of the traditions in China with a fast-paced, modern lifestyle.
Hong Kong has been ranked after Tokyo and Seoul because it is the 3rd costliest city in Asia when it involves the value of schooling, food, and accommodation. But this shouldn’t frighten you once you know that you simply would be living and dealing in Hong Kong because the salary bars are high also. With accommodation costs the very best and imported foods being costly, if you've got children, you'd even have to spend tons of cash for his or her schooling.
A lot of individuals like to move around the city without their personal car and use the general public transport instead since it's far more cost-effective and efficient. And if you are wanting to have a car there, the value of parking reception and the office would be the maximum amount because of the car fees in other countries.
Other than this, Hong Kong is the world’s leading international financial center, where most of the well-known and largest banks (Deutsche Bank, Citibank, Barclays) of the planet have a branch within the city. The service economy in Hong Kong is on top thanks to the trade and low taxation. Moreover, the Hong Kong dollar is one of the highest ten most traded currencies within the world. Further, Hong Kong has been recognized as the global center of trade and has one among the world’s busiest and largest container ports.
And that isn't all about Hong Kong! It’s per capita income is one of the most important in the world, which is why the salaries are high also. the general public transport traveling rate exceeds 90 percent, which is additionally the most important within the world. the town is ranked at the highest in many other elements of life within the city like corruption prevention, the standard of life, economic and financial competitiveness, economic freedom, etc.
In addition, as per both WHO and UN estimates, Hong Kong has the longest anticipation within the world as compared to the other country. So, if you're relocating to Hong Kong, you're getting yourself within the best environment you'll ever sleep in.
Hong Kong’s area is about 1,104 km2 (426 sq mi), and it's increasing per annum thanks to the on-going land reclamation. The town is the most densely populated area within the world with a population of about 7 million, out of which 5% of the population forms other groups, and 95% is ethnic Chinese people. Hong Kong’s living standards are high and have a tendency to stay you cultured and entertained both at an equivalent time.
Moving to Hong Kong would offer you an opportunity to explore the buzzing metropolis with a superb ex-pat infrastructure and therefore the diverse population. We take great pleasure in introducing you to Hong Kong, its economy, visa regulations, foreign community, and therefore the job market alongside every other thing that you simply got to know for living and dealing in Hong Kong.
The people from everywhere the planet have always followed the decision of Hong Kong for an extended time. This former British colony is found on the southern coast of China and has conventionally worked as a bridge between the West and therefore the East. For years now, it's been combining the traditions that come from abroad with the traditional Chinese customs. which is how those relocating to Hong Kong get the simplest out of both the worlds – that's a standard Chinese way of life with the liberal and progressive economy.
Hong Kong today is one of the foremost modern megacities within the world with its tremendous economic process over the last decades. And it's evident since there are thousands of foreign nationals who are moving to Hong Kong per annum and lots of others who dream of the Hong Kong living experience.
Since you're relocating to Hong Kong, you would possibly remember the change that happened in 1997 where Britain handed over Hong Kong to the People’s Republic of China. So, after you've begun living and dealing in Hong Kong, you'd notice that the lifestyle in Hong Kong is different from that of China. which is why the “One country, two systems” may be a catchphrase that you simply would hear tons about.
When entering Hong Kong you're officially in Chinese territory, but since the world may be a Special Administrative Region, it's its own form of government and capitalism. While the human rights condition in China remains a drag, things in Hong Kong may be a lot different where the constitution protects the elemental freedom and rights of the citizens like the liberty of press and speech also.
Even though there are many concerns about the possible interference of China after the handover, Hong Kong has been in power because it has retained its independence. In 2014, thanks to the election of the new Hong Kong leader through Universal Suffrage, there were protests where each side of the protest had their own ideas. And these ideas ranged from the nomination committee elected by universal suffrage to the chief that was being elected directly by the people.
Just a note since some protests do come up and albeit there's no violence due to the protests in the past, it's highly advised to avoid areas when a rally comes up.
A lot of expats relocating to Hong Kong are drawn by the legendary economic process of the country. If we glance at the time between 1961 and 1997 only, the per-capita GDP of the town increased by 87 times. As of today, Hong Kong is understood as the most vital trading entity within the world despite its small size. thanks to the economy that's centered on exports and a huge level of international trade, the economic process rate in Hong Kong has equalized about 1% quarter-on-quarter since 2000.
Even after Hong Kong was handed to China, it's always been the freest economy within the world, where tons of multinational companies establish their regional headquarters here. Here, the Chinese cultural traditions are mixed with the enterprise-friendly financial system ensuring transparency and therefore the rule of law. Hence, living and dealing in Hong Kong is right if you would like an entrance into the Asian market.
A Move well worth the disorientation
For anyone who is getting to experience the Hong Kong living standards, it's vital to find out about the way of life there. Hong Kong has always been a destination for expats ever since British rule. And till today, surveys rank Hong Kong within the top 50% of places to maneuver to. Although the expat’s community has been decreasing thanks to the worldwide recession, Hong Kong remains the home to tons of the expat population. Most of the population here comes from Australia, the U.S.A., and therefore the UK.
Living and dealing in Hong Kong is nearly equivalent to the other metropolitan city within the world with its many pros and cons. You encounter crazy traffic, high population density, and a vibrant nightlife. And if you look out of your window from your apartment, you'd see a subsequent 35-floor skyscraper.
Other than this, you furthermore may enjoy sheer endless possibilities with countless shopping opportunities, entertainment, a vibrant nightlife, and excellent infrastructure. you'll freely and simply enjoy the activities like rock-climbing and hiking in one among the character reserves and country parks. For a high price, you get all the comfort you deserve here.
Lifestyle in Hong Kong Just like many cultural hubs, Hong Kong features a large sort of bars and restaurants, where you usually have something new to try. you'll find all kinds of food under the sun there with different price ranges. albeit Hong Kong is understood for being a ‘concrete jungle,’ it's tons of green spaces just in case you would like to attach yourself with nature. In short, you're greeted with the stunning hills to the north, and phenomenal waterways and beaches to the south all thanks to the superb Feng-Shui.
As mentioned above, you've got tons of entertainment options from experiencing nature to watersports, and you'll also engage yourself within the sports clubs and sports leagues. Being one hour away, after you're done moving to Hong Kong, get a ship or train and attend Macau.
The climate in Hong Kong is subtropical, where the summers are humid and hot with occasional thunderstorms and showers. within the south-east, there are typhoons usually, and when it's close to occurring, there's a warning system on a numeric scale for keeping everyone safe. If there's a typhoon no 8, all the offices, transport and schools are closed for that period. For rainstorms, there are color signals where for a red rainstorm, the faculties are closed and during a black rainstorm, everything is closed.
The winters are mostly mild, albeit there are cold winds from the north. Relocating to Hong Kong means you'd encounter an average of 1,948 hours of sunshine per annum, with the very best of 36.1C and lowest of 0.0C temperatures.
The Hong Kong living standard is high if you're living in the middle of the island, and if you're living off the island, you'll economize for your accommodation. Whichever you select, the plug sockets and voltage is 220V, even as within the UK. Concerning the worth of the flats, there are three things to stay in mind. One is the size; the second is the view, and the third is how recently it's been renovated. If you get all three, you're lucky.
Space is little. Rent is high. a bit like the other modern city, the further the house from the middle of the town, the lower the worth. With the town expanding, there are tons of opportunities in and around the city, and you'll get an inexpensive rate for housing if you walk around and look for it on each street. it's better to understand the areas to know which is best for you. And for this, you'd got to hop around for a minimum of every week.
And if you're taking the assistance of an agent, you'd have to be clear with all of your requirements initially, and be prepared to pay that very much as well. Also, the estate agents usually take about 50% of the primary month’s rent. Hence, keep all the quantities ready for moving to Hong Kong and getting the right flat.
The good news for those relocating to Hong Kong is that healthcare meets the western medical standards, and the doctors have proper qualifications. Moreover, all the people in Hong Kong have access to government-subsidized public healthcare. There are tons of youngsters and maternal health care centers, specialist clinics, and outpatient clinics. But only the residents of Hong Kong can get treatment from over 40 public hospitals virtually with none cost.
But the bad news for those moving to Hong Kong is that visiting the general public clinic in Hong Kong includes tons of waiting times. This alongside better quality for cost is why expats prefer to attend private hospitals albeit it's costly. There are 13 private hospitals, and if you've got your Hong Kong ID card, you'll obtain cheap rate healthcare.
Also, living and dealing in Hong Kong with an outsized international or maybe a notable local company, expect you and your family to urge the dental cover, either the BUPA Hong Kong, or the BUPA International health cover. If you're covered with this, you've got to pay less for healthcare. If they don’t, it's better to get healthiness insurance for some time in Hong Kong.
For those expat parents relocating to Hong Kong, finding the simplest international school within the nest of the many schools isn't difficult thanks to the number of faculties. 50 international schools are offering various affiliations and curricula, with tuition fees starting from 67,000 HKD to 180,000 HKD or more in one year. Admissions aren't easy also within the prestigious schools until you've got someone to assist you out. So it's better to start trying to find the faculties on time.
Local schools offer free tuition, rigid teaching methods, and therefore the children face an enormous workload at little age also. and that they got to know the language to be here, but you'll hire a domestic nanny or help for your child. This is able to give them how to enter the cultural norms of Hong Kong and eventually into the faculties.
With a competitive job market and a thriving business world, living and dealing in Hong Kong would assist you to experience the simplest of Hong Kong. For several decades, working in Hong Kong has been popular among those seeking new challenges abroad. Because of its economic boom, tons of investors and business people have made their stand here and are still coming in bulk.
Hong Kong may be a center and a regional investment hub thanks to its low taxation, well-developed infrastructure, location, and free port status. But thanks to the rise in well-qualified local graduates and economic downturns, the work market has become tons more competitive.
If you're not opening a business in Hong Kong and need to urge the “Employment for Professionals” visa, you want to have a confirmed job offer and a sponsorship. Also, the corporation would need to prove that only you'll fill that position and not some local person. Getting employment like this is often possible, and you'll only reach there if you're lucky or have a business there.
The skills of workers needed in Hong Kong are mostly hard-skills like accounting and finance. aside from owning a business there, you'll easily get into Hong Kong , if the corporate you're working in features a branch there and you're transferred there. Also, the procedure for transferring is straightforward as compared to joining a replacement company in Hong Kong as you fall into the Intra-Company Transfer Arrangement.
While relocating to Hong Kong , learn all about your contract and mandatory Social Security contributions. albeit the remuneration packages with the expat allowances that have extended advantages for professionals abroad have reduced, you'll still negotiate about the terms of your contract. Check all about the private health care coverage, housing allowance, and debenture for the international schools for the youngsters. Many do offer this stuff while some don't .
Even though expats move to spice up their career, it's vital to understand all about Social Security in Hong Kong . The government in Hong Kong provides tons of welfare programs to make sure a minimum standard of living for the residents. and that they also provide a safety net for those that cannot look out of themselves anymore. A couple of benefits are given by the state and the others by the corporation.
Another vital program for the Social Security in Hong Kong ensures the retirement provisions for several , and was introduced in 2000. And it's critical because the population in Hong Kong is growing old, with mean anticipation at the birth of over 86 and 81 years respectively for ladies and men.
The application process and therefore the selection criteria are different for every, where sometimes it depends on assets and income, while others are often supported by the very fact if you're a resident or not.
The Hong Kong welfare Department runs tons of various programs for financial assistance and lots of others to assist people in Hong Kong to feel socially secure. It basically helps those that are suffering financially thanks to natural disasters, the death of a loved one , disability, unemployment, age, or poverty. the foremost common schemes are as follows:
Apart from the general public services for Social Security for those that live and deal in Hong Kong, there are many other schemes like programs that aid impoverished families using charitable and trust funds. The department also provides aid to women and families in various difficult situations like for survivors of violence, organizes care, and adoption services. Other services of the welfare Department include:
Again the eligibility and procedures depend upon various criteria, and everyone has various factors. aside from the precise requirements, you'd even have to satisfy the deadline for living and dealing in Hong Kong to use most of it. And for those that are short-term expats, most schemes aren't valid for them. Moreover, salaries are normally enough for many, so expats wouldn't fall back on Social Security.
For every kilometer of a road in Hong Kong, there are about 285 licensed vehicles, and due to this, whenever you ride, it seems like a rush hour on the road. With no parking lot and traffic jams in the least times, people like better to use the general public transport more. However, the amount of accidents per resident is far lower as compared to the other country. Also, the government continuously makes the driving regulations stricter and penalties more severe to stay up the security.
Due to the larger number of cars, the roads are mostly jammed. And to urge to the office in time is almost impossible if you allow just a couple of minutes before. Moreover, the road signs are both in Chinese and English, so if you're on your own, you'll move around the city with no issues. Additionally, if you're trying to find a certain route, visit the convenient Driving Route Search Service given by the Transport Department.
The gas prices locally are high in comparison to the main cities in China and also the US. In short, you'll expect to buy gas far more than you'd in any European country. With all this, the simplest thanks to move around is that the convenient conveyance .
Another thing that might urge you to not get a car is parking. You rarely find a parking spot, and if you are doing that, they're highly expensive. If you continue to want to possess a car after moving to Hong Kong and find the places you'll park within the city, inspect the Transport Department website for the parking spots.
Moreover, there are about 18,000 parking meters and a few extra short-term parking alternatives. Avoid parking illegally just in case you are not wanting to risk having parking tickets, your entire car towed away, or your wheel clamped.
Moving from all the negativity of owning a car in Hong Kong, there are not any tolls on all the main roads, apart from some tunnels. And if you're getting to pass the tunnel regularly, you'll use the Auto toll prepaid electronic toll collection system.
If you've completed the method of relocating to Hong Kong, and have lived for a few time now, have a vehicle registered in Hong Kong and an area Hong Kong driver’s license, you can’t just drive across the China border. you'd got to get the permission from the authorities in China first. For cross-border traveling, you'll check the government website for more information.
Yes, English is that the official language of Hong Kong and is vital within the business world, the utilization of Mandarin and Cantonese are highly prominent. And if you're an expat trying to find employment in Hong Kong, the power to talk in Mandarin and/or Cantonese gives you a bonus to speak within the country.
Mandarin has achieved distinction in business communications, because it is the established interlanguage within the economic boomtowns of China, while Cantonese is the local language spoken in both Hong Kong and southeastern China. 90% of the population in Hong Kong communicates in Cantonese.
So, if you're living and dealing in Hong Kong for your whole life, persist with the Cantonese language. And if you would like to maneuver afterward to a different country and learn another language for your future international career, accompany Mandarin. Moreover, if you've been transferred within a multinational company, you'd not get to speak Cantonese where most of the people within the firm would be ready to communicate in English.
Nevertheless, language skills aren’t all you need for successful work experience in Hong Kong once you move there. The much-cited theories of “cultural competence” and “intercultural communication” have significant practical suggestions within the business world in Hong Kong also . So, those that have just completed relocating to Hong Kong for a few businesses would encounter some unpleasant surprises.
You can learn all about the Hong Kong Culture within the next guide in order that you are not failing. And it's vital to understand all about this since, within the business world and general Hong Kong culture, hierarchies are necessary.
All-in-all, Hong Kong is a tremendous city that possesses tons to supply to you. Take some time to find out about the place, start a business and start your process of relocating to Hong Kong to enjoy a vibrant and successful lifestyle